Welcome to the absolute best place for all things related to the Arizona Sports scene as we dive into the wild events of early 2026. The energy in the Valley is higher than the summer heat right now. We have seen massive changes for our local icons.
First of all, the Arizona Sports world is buzzing about the University of Arizona Wildcats and their absolute dominance on the hardwood. It is a great time to be a fan in the desert.
The Unstoppable Force of Wildcats Basketball
The 2025–26 Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team is a total powerhouse. They finished the regular season with an incredible 29–2 record. This is a historical milestone because it is the first time an Arizona team has reached 29 regular season wins.
They also captured their first-ever Big 12 regular season title. It is their 30th regular season conference title in the history of the school. Tommy Lloyd is in his fifth season as head coach and he has truly built something special in Tucson.
The team plays at the legendary McKale Center. Fans show up in huge numbers to support them. The average home attendance hit 14,297 people this year. That is the 15th-highest attendance in all of college basketball. On top of that, the team is currently ranked No. 2 in both the AP and Coaches polls.
A Season of Highs and Very Few Lows
The season started with a lot of excitement during the Red and Blue game on October 3, 2025. This annual event featured a dunk contest and a three-point contest. Anthony Dell’Orso won the three-point contest.
Rob Gronkowski actually won the dunk contest after he jumped over a power wheel car. He even tried to sneak onto the court during the scrimmage wearing a wig and a fake mustache. He called himself “Rocky Gronkstone” before the officials kicked him out. Plus, the Red team defeated the Blue team with a close score of 45–44.
Later, the regular season began with a tough matchup against No. 3 Florida in Las Vegas. Arizona won that game 93–87. Koa Peat was a star that night with 30 points. He is a freshman power forward from Gilbert, Arizona, and he is a total beast on the court. Similarly, the Wildcats took down No. 15 UCLA with a 69–65 victory in Inglewood.
They went on an incredible winning streak. They beat No. 3 UConn on the road with a score of 71–67. They also destroyed No. 20 Auburn at home, winning 97–68. One of the most impressive wins happened in Birmingham against No. 12 Alabama. Freshman Brayden Burries led the way with 28 points in a 96–75 blowout.
However, every giant faces a challenge. The Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season against No. 9 Kansas. They lost a close one, 78–82, at the famous Allen Fieldhouse. Shortly after that, they lost an overtime thriller to No. 16 Texas Tech with a score of 75–78. Additionally, those were the only two times they fell all season. They finished the Big 12 conference play with a 16–2 record.
Finally, they ended the regular season by beating No. 6 Iowa State and then Colorado on the road. Brayden Burries scored a career-high 31 points in that final game against the Buffaloes. Therefore, they enter the Big 12 tournament as the number one seed.
Award Winners and Superstars
The talent on this roster is deep. Jaden Bradley is the Big 12 Player of the Year. He averaged 13.4 points and 4.6 assists per game. He is also a member of the Big 12 Defensive Team. Tobe Awaka earned the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year award. He nearly averaged a double-double with 9.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.
Tommy Lloyd was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year. The freshman class is also getting a lot of love. Brayden Burries and Koa Peat both made the Big 12 Freshman Team. Burries averaged 16.0 points a game while Peat averaged 13.8. These young players are the future of Arizona sports teams.
The recruiting class for 2025 was ranked very high by all the major experts. Rivals even ranked them as the No. 1 class in the nation. On top of that, the class included five-star recruits like Koa Peat, Brayden Burries, and Sidi Gueye. This shows that Arizona is a destination for the best athletes in the country.
The Arizona Cardinals and the Quarterback Search
The Arizona Cardinals are in the middle of a massive transformation as they head into the 2026 season. The biggest news is that the team will part ways with Kyler Murray on March 11, 2026. This move will carry a massive cap hit of around $50 million for the next year. However, it will save the team nearly $19.5 million in guarantees in the 2027 season.
Mike LaFleur is ready for his first free agency cycle as a head coach. He and Monti Ossenfort must find a new leader for the offense. Last year, Jacoby Brissett did a solid job when he filled in for an injured Murray. He passed for 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns. He had a completion rate of almost 65 percent. Though he played well, he also threw 8 interceptions and took 43 sacks in only 12 starts.
Now, fans are debating if the Cardinals should stick with the 33-year-old Brissett or look for a fresh start. There are several big names in the free agent pool. Malik Willis is one of the most talked-about options. He played for the Packers under LaFleur’s brother, and Ossenfort helped draft him when they were both in Tennessee. Other names include Jimmy Garoppolo, Aaron Rodgers, and even Joe Flacco.
Gradually, the team will also look toward the NFL draft. Some experts think they might draft Ty Simpson from Alabama. Others suggest they could wait for later rounds to pick up Drew Allar or Garrett Nussmeier. The decision at the quarterback position will define the identity of the team for years to come. It is the most important position in the game.
The Cardinals had a very disappointing 2025 season where they finished 3–14. Owner Michael Bidwill wants a quick turnaround. He does not want another long rebuild. Therefore, free agency is the first stop for this team. They need to find a way to compete in the tough NFC West against Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Phoenix Suns and the NBA Playoff Race
The Phoenix Suns are currently fighting for their spot in the 2026 NBA playoffs. As of mid-January, they have a record of 24–16. They are the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference standings. This means they would currently be in the NBA Play-In Tournament. In that bracket, they would face off against the Golden State Warriors, who are the No. 8 seed.
The Western Conference is very crowded right now. The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the pack with a record of 34–7. The Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs are also ahead of the Suns. However, there is still plenty of time for the Suns to move up. The regular season does not end until April 12.
If the season ended today, the Suns would have to win a play-in game to secure the No. 7 spot. A win would give them a first-round matchup against the No. 2 seed Nuggets. The Suns play their home games at the Mortgage Matchup Center. They have a history of making the finals but they are still looking for their first-ever championship.
Additionally, the NBA All-Star break is approaching and teams are starting to feel the pressure. The Suns need to stay healthy and find some consistency. Fans can keep up with all the news on arizona sports 98.7 as the playoff race heats up.
Diamondbacks and 2026 Spring Training
Baseball fans are heading to the arizona sports complex known as Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for Spring Training. The Arizona Diamondbacks recently announced their 2026 camp roster. There are 72 players in camp, which includes 32 non-roster invitees. This is the 29th Spring Training for the team and their 16th year at Salt River Fields.
Torey Lovullo is back for his 10th season as the manager. The coaching staff is very experienced. The 40-man roster is currently full. It features 16 right-handed pitchers, including stars like Corbin Burnes, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt. They also have 8 left-handed pitchers like Eduardo Rodriguez and A.J. Puk.
The infield is led by Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Nolan Arenado. The outfield features the young superstar Corbin Carroll along with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Alek Thomas. Non-roster invites include prospects like Druw Jones and Tommy Troy.
At that time, there was also a lot of buzz about the World Baseball Classic. In a massive upset, Team Italy defeated Team USA with a score of 8–6 in Houston. Team Italy catcher Kyle Teel and shortstop Sam Antonacci both hit home runs. Aaron Judge, the American captain, went down swinging for the final out. This was a huge moment for international baseball.
Similarly, the Cactus League is a huge tradition in our state. We host 15 different MLB teams every spring. Teams like the Chicago Cubs play at Sloan Park and the Los Angeles Dodgers play at Camelback Ranch. It brings thousands of tourists to our cities every year.
Golf Highlights: The WM Phoenix Open
The sport’s rowdiest tournament took place recently in Scottsdale. Chris Gotterup won the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. He won on the first hole of a playoff against Hideki Matsuyama. Gotterup shot a 7-under 64 on Sunday to force the playoff. Matsuyama had a one-shot lead going into the final round but he struggled at the end.
Matsuyama pulled his tee shot into the water on the first playoff hole. Gotterup made a birdie to seal the win. This was his fourth career PGA Tour win and his second win in only three starts this season. He earned a huge share of the $9.6 million purse.
Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler also made a big run. He finished in a five-way tie for third place at 15 under. He had a shaky first round where he shot a 73, but he fought back with rounds of 65 and 64. The atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale was electric as always.
Golf is a major part of the Arizona sports league of events. We have some of the best courses in the world. Additionally, the LPGA Tour and the Cactus Tour also hold events here regularly.
Soccer News: Phoenix Rising 10th Anniversary
The Phoenix Rising FC is preparing for its historic 10th Anniversary Season in 2026. They recently released their full schedule. The team will play at least 35 matches this year. This includes 30 regular-season games, four matches in the Prinx Tires USL Cup, and at least one match in the U.S. Open Cup.
The season starts on the road against San Antonio FC on March 7. The home opener is on March 14 against Orange County SC at the Phoenix Rising Stadium. Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah is entering his second year with the club. Last year, the team finished fifth in the Western Conference and made it to the Conference Semifinal.
They have some big rivalries to look forward to. They face New Mexico United for the first time on April 11. They will play New Mexico United at least three times this season. They also have a big midweek game against Louisville City FC in June.
Fans can watch every single match on Arizona’s Family. The team has a broadcast deal that goes through 2028. This ensures that everyone in the state can support the club as they look for another championship.
The State of Hockey in the Desert
The hockey landscape in Arizona changed forever when the Arizona Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City in 2024. The team is now known as the Utah Mammoth. They moved because of many failed ownership groups and the inability to find a permanent arena.
Though the NHL team is gone, hockey is still alive in Arizona. The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Tucson Roadrunners are still here. ASU head coach Greg Powers has grown the program into a major destination for talent. He has produced NHL players like Joey Daccord and Josh Doan. The Sun Devils are now considered “the show in town” for hockey fans in the Valley.
The Tucson Roadrunners are the AHL affiliate of the Utah team. They play at the Tucson Convention Center. They have many talented prospects like Maveric Lamoureux and Miko Matikka. Coach Steve Potvin has led them to the playoffs for two years in a row.
Additionally, people like Lyndsey Fry are working hard to keep youth hockey growing. She helped start the Matt Shott Arizona Hockey Legacy Foundation. This foundation supports youth programs so that the next generation of players can still enjoy the sport. Vegas and Utah are also hosting clinics in the state to keep the market active.
On top of that, experts like Frank Seravalli believe that an NHL team could be back in Arizona within five years. It is one of the hottest topics for local sports fans right now.
Local Rivalries: The Territorial Cup
The rivalry between the University of Arizona and Arizona State University is one of the oldest in the nation. It is known as the Duel in the Desert. The Territorial Cup Series tracks the success of both schools across all sports.
Arizona currently leads the all-time series with 10 wins to 6 for ASU. In the 2024–25 season, Arizona won with a final score of 14–8. They dominated in sports like Women’s Triathlon, Women’s Gymnastics, and Men’s Basketball.
The 2025–26 schedule is already underway. Arizona currently leads with 6.5 points to 5.5 for ASU as of March 2026. Arizona won the football game 23–7 in November. They also won both men’s basketball matchups. ASU has earned points in Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, and Swimming & Diving.
This rivalry is very intense. Both schools moved to the Big 12 Conference recently. This means their games are even more important for conference standings. Bragging rights in the state are always on the line.
Staying Healthy and Informed
Staying in peak physical condition is a priority for all our athletes. Whether you play in a professional arizona sports league or just like to stay active, recovery is key. Many local stars visit an arizona sports medicine center to deal with injuries. They also work with experts in arizona sports chiropractic to keep their bodies aligned and ready for competition.
If you have a child starting school sports, you will need an arizona sports physical form filled out by a professional. You can find great care at places like arizona sports medicine or arizona sports and spine. These centers help athletes of all levels perform their best.
To stay updated on all the scores and news, you should listen to arizona sports 98.7. Shows like the Wolf & Luke Show offer the best insider information and opinions. There are also many local podcasts like Wildcat Radio and The Valley Verdict that cover our teams in depth. Plus, the arizona sports 98.7 station is the home for Cardinals and Suns broadcasts.
Additionally, the state of Arizona hosts major events like the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. This stadium has also hosted four Super Bowls. It will host another College Football Playoff semifinal very soon. Our state is a true hub for global sports events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports is Arizona known for?
Arizona is world-famous for hosting MLB Spring Training through the Cactus League. We are also known for championship-level college basketball and major professional golf tournaments like the Phoenix Open. Our state is a top destination for auto racing and major college football bowl games like the Fiesta Bowl.
What major sports are in Phoenix?
The Phoenix area is home to the Phoenix Suns (NBA), the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA). The Arizona Cardinals (NFL) also play in nearby Glendale. We also have professional soccer with the Phoenix Rising FC and indoor football with the Arizona Rattlers.
What sports does Arizona State have?
Arizona State University has a wide range of Division I teams. They have major programs for football, basketball, baseball, and softball. They are also known for ice hockey, swimming and diving, golf, triathlon, and beach volleyball. They compete in the Territorial Cup Series against the University of Arizona every year.
Concluding Words
The current state of Arizona Sports is filled with both major victories and significant changes. The Arizona Wildcats are dominating the basketball court with a historic season while the Cardinals and Suns are preparing for new chapters in their respective leagues.
From the rowdy crowds at the Phoenix Open to the 10th-anniversary celebrations for Phoenix Rising, there is never a dull moment for fans in the desert. Stay tuned to your favorite local stations to keep up with every game highlight and team update.